Tamil Murasu – A Journey of Volunteerism That Has Spanned More Than a Decade: Shanthini Subramaniam

She is one of those ordinary Singaporeans who simply wanted to make a difference in her own way.

Shanthini was already experienced in helping others by the age of 23. Her volunteering journey began at the age of 11 at the Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home.

“Even before this volunteer experience, whenever I saw the seniors downstairs in my block, I would smile and wave. It came naturally to me,” Shanthini told The Straits Times.

She later took part in Zumba sessions as well as arts and crafts activities with the elderly at Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities.

While studying nursing at a polytechnic, Shanthini had the opportunity to meet people with intellectual disabilities through her involvement with Youth Corps Singapore. The experience had a profound impact on her.

Together with other volunteers, she organised arts and crafts sessions and food preparation activities for members of the MINDS organisation.

“Despite their challenges, they were happy to participate in activities with us,” said Shanthini.

Coming from a family that faced financial hardship, these meaningful and life‑changing moments taught her valuable lessons about gratitude and creative thinking, helping her see beyond her own circumstances.

Her younger brother lives with cerebral palsy. Caring for him, along with her experiences with the elderly, inspired her to pursue nursing.

Shanthini studied nursing at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), and later obtained a Diploma in Nursing from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Nursing at the National University of Singapore.

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